Construction is underway to improve the entertainment and dining district of Chandler Fashion Center. At the same time, the mall’s owner and operator has announced some new businesses.
Macerich is also upgrading another of its properties, Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Palm Court.
The changes come as malls adapt to the continued rise of online shopping.
In 2000, e-commerce accounted for 3.9% of total U.S. retail sales. That figure had grown to 16.4% in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Macerich started construction in January to improve the outdoor spaces near the Harkins Theatres on the mall’s south side. Businesses will remain open during construction.
“Chandler Fashion Center has a long history as a vibrant hub in the East Valley community,” said Monica Greenman, the mall’s general manager. “We’re affirming our continued focus on creating a welcoming gathering space where guests come to indulge in the community’s best food, entertainment and shopping.”
One of the new restaurants coming to Chandler is an international favorite, Taiwanese brand Din Tai Fung. It is known for its handcrafted Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings).
Johnny Rockets is also coming to the food court and a J. Crew Factory to the mall.
Seafood City is expected to open in late spring or early summer. It’s a Filipino grocery store with live fish tanks and the ability for guests to catch their own meal and watch it be cooked at their in-house restaurant. It offers a large number of Asian brands that are not always available at U.S. grocery stores.
Macerich said they expect to announce more culinary brands coming to the mall in the coming months.
“We’re also conscious of a trend among shoppers who enjoy spending a day shopping their favorite stores, then winding down with a memorable meal,” said Kim Choukalas, senior vice president of leasing.
“This project marries the lines between shopping and dining, creating a holistic entertainment experience.”
There will be an event area that can host live concerts and family-friendly gatherings. A new interactive splash pad that transforms at night into a illuminated water feature.
They are also creating a new walkway so visitors parked on the east side can have quicker access to the courtyard.
The operator also plans to add more landscaping and create shaded areas and cozy fire pits to keep guests cool in the summer or help warm them up in the winter.
In Scottsdale, Macerich is expanding the restrooms at the Palm Court, improving the landscaping, and updating flooring and lighting. The highlight is a planned three-sided digital display acting as the centerpiece.
Macerich owns and operates seven regional shopping centers in the Phoenix metro area. In addition to Chandler and Scottsdale, it also owns Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale, and Kierland Commons in Scottsdale.
The company operates 39 million square feet of real estate, primarily in 37 retail centers.